Activate Windows 7 or Windows 8.1

Activation helps verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and hasn’t been used on more devices than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow.

A Windows product key is a 25-character code used to activate Windows7 or Windows 8.1. It looks like this:

PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Without a product key, you won't be able to activate your device.

Your product key should be in the confirmation email you received after buying Windows, included with the packaging that came with your PC, or on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) attached to the back or bottom of your PC.